Health Effects of Diesel Exhaust Exposure

March 14, 2012 – Diesel exhaust is produced when an engine burns diesel fuel, releasing toxic gases and particles into the air where they can be breathed into the lungs. Diesel fumes can irritate an individual’s skin, nose, throat, eyes, and lungs causing one to suffer from headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, coughing, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms. Many workers are exposed to the harmful effects of diesel fumes including mine workers, railroad workers, truck drivers, and loading dock workers. As a result of recent findings by researchers, diesel exhaust can now be added to the group of substances that can lead to lung cancer including asbestos, smoking, and radon.

National Study Shows Miners Exposed to Diesel Exhaust at a Higher Risk of Developing Lung Cancer

A recent study conducted jointly by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) concluded that increasing levels of exposure to diesel exhaust leads to an increased risk of death from lung cancer. The researchers evaluated 12,315 mine workers in eight separate non-metal mining facilities in the U.S. where heavy equipment using diesel fuel was utilized. These mines also were selected because they had high levels of diesel exhaust, but low levels of other lung cancer risk factors.

The study released in March 2012 shows that underground mine workers with the highest exposure to diesel exhaust were five times more likely to develop lung cancer and three times more likely to die from lung cancer. The study also took into account other key risk factors including smoking. Performing a study of this nature allowed the researchers to isolate the effects of the diesel fumes themselves. Non smokers with high levels of exposure to diesel exhaust are seven times more likely to die from lung cancer than non smokers with low levels of exposure.

These study results may help researchers determine how to improve the working conditions for miners, and also determine the risks of diesel exhaust exposure among other occupations including longshoremen and truck drivers.

If you or a loved one has a history of a workplace exposure to diesel exhaust, and is suffering from respiratory or breathing problems including lung cancer, contact the highly experienced Pennsylvania chemical exposure lawyers at Shein Law. Our years of experience representing victims of toxic substance exposure such as individuals suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung illnesses has equipped us with the knowledge and skill to handle complicated causation and medical-related issues. We are a team of dedicated attorneys who can guide you through the complex litigation process while fighting for your rights in order to achieve justice. For a thorough review of your case, we encourage you to contact our Philadelphia chemical exposure attorneys at 877-743-4652 or contact us online.

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